I love credit cards so much!

[Albort]

So I know the Hawaii thing has been talked about a lot lately, but it's hard to keep track of everything. What are the best options for flights to Hawaii on points from California, besides SW? I would prefer the process be as simple as possible, as in trying to avoid having to call in to one airline to book flights on another airline, which is a lot of what I see talked about with HI. I mean, I'll do that if I have to but if I could do it all online I'd rather do that.

I'm seeing flights on AA for 40k available for next year, and I was just reading on r/churning that AA cards are easy to get multiples of, but I've also read that it's hard to find availability with AA, so is it too risky to try to go with them?

TPG just released a post about SW and hawaii. it looks like it will launch from California only so far. the hold up sounds like ETOP rating since SW never needed it until now.

in terms of cheapest miles, KE miles flying delta metal is the cheapest way to go. 25k rt. calling is best but they might show availability online but rarely. u can also do 30k for HA and AS.
i recall UA. being 35k-45k. online availability

AA card churning requires a certain invitational code. u have to apply using that to get around the 24 month bonus language since it's not included for that code. this will... destroy ur 5/24 though.
u could check AA flights also via BA

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Ok...I'm here some straight up advice and help...... I figure a lot of you know more about this than I do! I have been figuring out my 5 nights on Maui..... I originally booked Sheraton Kaanapali, since it looks awesome,and is right on that perfect snorkeling beach. NOW....I'm reconsidering canceling that and using my SPg points for a Marriott nights and flights package...it's just too tempting,since I'd get my 5 nights on Maui using that certificate, PLUS the 120k SWA points which I can really use! So here's my big dilemma- I could choose the Marriott Wailea Beach resort, or Marriott Maui ocean club instead. Any advice? on TA,and Oyster, they all rate well (4 pearls) They all look lovely, tho I think ocean club would be #3 for my choices (we don't have little kids) what do you all think? ANY advice here is so needed! I was proud of myself for deciding on a hotel,and now my biggest problem is back....making a decision!
....ALSO...... Nights and Flights. I've been reading about how to do this, but again...how would I know if I can use the cert. at the hotel I want,when I want? check for availability on marriott site?if I do that, would I check using points,or cash? Do they allow bookings with the cert. in general,or are there blackout dates? (arrggg)
...ALSO... what is my smartest option for getting the extra 45k marriott points I need to finish the booking?(and can I book if I buy a 1-5 cat. cert,and they'll let me book a cat. 8 until I get the extra points?)
Should I A) Use some UR points> Marriott to top it off? (45k)
B) Buy the spg points and transfer them? ( 15k for 341.25 use spg for 2x points)
C) Buy spg points (341.25 for 15k,use UR statement credit to pay myself back)
Again,Id have to purchase thru Dh's Spg acct,gift them to mine,and transfer to MArriott.
How feasible is this? How long does it take from purchasing the package to getting the hotel cert. for use? (swa points not in a rush for,not using them yet)
Please help me think this through...... I feel like waiting till AUg 1 and hoping I could use cert on sheraton might not work out

Ok I think I might do this..... but I'd have to use UR to finish out what I need since Dh's spg acct is inactive,he'll need to call in,and probably take 2-4 weeks to be active enough to gift anything. boo.

I called MArriott. The rep said I could do it instantly. My only issue is the extra UR point I need to finish this out. I fell like it's still a better value than my original plan- it's either 80k SPG for 5 nights- or 120k spg (technically) for 5 nights plus the 120k RR points..... so it's kind of like paying 40k UR for the 120k SWA points....does this make sense?

I'm not sure this makes sense...hold on while I try to process everything, lol. I may have some questions...

 

[platamama]

I called MArriott. The rep said I could do it instantly. My only issue is the extra UR point I need to finish this out. I fell like it's still a better value than my original plan- it's either 80k SPG for 5 nights- or 120k spg (technically) for 5 nights plus the 120k RR points..... so it's kind of like paying 40k UR for the 120k SWA points....does this make sense?

I'm confused. Are you mixing up currencies or did I miss something?

If you convert 80K SPG, that becomes 240K Marriott points. You need 30K more Marriott points to reach a 270K Marriott travel package that gets you a 1-5 Cat hotel + 120K RR points.

120K SPG becomes 360K Marriott points, enough for a Cat 8 Hotel + 120K RR points. I know the new category charts haven't come out yet, but are you aiming for what would currently be a Cat 8 Marriott hotel? I'm assuming yes, because there are no Cat 1-5 Marriotts in Hawaii.

You cannot transfer 40K UR to SPG 1:1. But you can transfer 30K UR to Marriott to reach the 270K Marriott travel package, or transfer 120K UR to reach the 360K Marriott travel package.

The certificate will show up in your account instantly. At least mine did. I believe you check availability as if you were searching for a room to book on points, but I haven't tried to use my certificate yet, so I'm not exactly sure how this part works.

I can confirm this. Yes, it will show up instantly. And yes, you search as if you're booking a room on points. Once you book that reservation, call into Marriott Rewards and attach the certificate to your booking.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Couple of dps. It's not Memorial Day in Canada, so that won't affect anything. I used an anniversary night and points to book two nights labor day weekend in SF back in Feb. So the holiday thing isn't an issue if it was a holiday in Canada. I used my 2 free sign up nights and points to book 3 nights in Paris memorial day weekend this year, again not a holiday there so it doesn't matter.

I don't look anything up on the website except for which cat the hotel is and how many points it'll be, I call the number on the back of the chase hyatt card to get their rez people. They've always been super helpful and understand booking with points and award nights.

I know it’s not a Canadian holiday just thought it might be blocked due to Americans traveling, since its very close to US, and cruise season

 

[speedyfishy]

Afternoon all! So I heard about the CIP 100K in-branch promo for the first week of May and am thinking about going for this card a bit earlier than planned! It is for a real business idea, albeit only a hypothetical one at this point. I'd like to set up a section of my new apartment to take in freelance sewing work for people as well as my previous employer as I know they'll need extra help in the fall. I've taken in this kind of work before but only dealt in cash and only made a tiny amount of money (like $100 net. I need to charge more, but that's a different story.) However, I've been reading up on people's experiences trying to get the CIP and now I'm nervous that I don't make enough/don't have an impressive enough credit card history to get approved.

Any tips for getting approved since it's a brand-new business without any customers yet and my expected revenue is pretty small? I can make a pretty solid case about why I would need a credit line to get set up in this business with all the equipment and supplies I would need. I wouldn't *actually* buy it all on the CIP as I don't have the cash to pay for it yet. But they don't need to know that....

I put $5 for my revenue and got approved for the CIP. I applied online but your business is more of a business than mine. Lol I wouldn’t worry since you are setting up a real business.

 

[mom2elal]

TPG just released a post about SW and hawaii. it looks like it will launch from California only so far. the hold up sounds like ETOP rating since SW never needed it until now.

in terms of cheapest miles, KE miles flying delta metal is the cheapest way to go. 25k rt. calling is best but they might show availability online but rarely. u can also do 30k for HA and AS.
i recall UA. being 35k-45k. online availability

AA card churning requires a certain invitational code. u have to apply using that to get around the 24 month bonus language since it's not included for that code. this will... destroy ur 5/24 though.
u could check AA flights also via BA

Thanks, I've been looking at AS, but the availability seems limited. I didn't know that about the code for Citi. I'll have to start keeping an eye on the mailers we get. We'd only need two each, so I'm assuming the first one could be a regular application and then the second would need the code?

I really need to figure out how to get more SW points without angering the Chase gods!

 

[hsmamato2]

I'm confused. Are you mixing up currencies or did I miss something?

If you convert 80K SPG, that becomes 240K Marriott points. You need 30K more Marriott points to reach a 270K Marriott travel package that gets you a 1-5 Cat hotel + 120K RR points.

120K SPG becomes 360K Marriott points, enough for a Cat 8 Hotel + 120K RR points. I know the new category charts haven't come out yet, but are you aiming for what would currently be a Cat 8 Marriott hotel? I'm assuming yes, because there are no Cat 1-5 Marriotts in Hawaii.

You cannot transfer 40K UR to SPG. But you can transfer 30K UR to Marriott to reach the 270K Marriott travel package, or transfer 120K UR to reach the 360K Marriott travel package.



I can confirm this. Yes, it will show up instantly. And yes, you search as if you're booking a room on points. Once you book that reservation, call into Marriott Rewards and attach the certificate to your booking.

Sorry I was unclear. ok here's what I currently have-105k spg points (80k tied up in res. I must cancel first)
that turns into 315k Marriott. I need 360k Marriott for the package -difference is 45k Marriott points. I don;t think it would benefit me to just convert my SPG into Marriott for the cat. 1-5 package today,as I'd also like to book a cat. 8 hotel anyway,so I'd need the full amount. so 45k UR for 120k RR points.
In total for 120k spg (which translates into 360 Marriott) I was calculating the cost in SPG values. in other words,I can spend 80k straight up for a room, or transfer and spend another 40k SPG to get the package. Since it's different 'currencies', maybe that's where I'm getting confused-
so essentially those airline points are great (and I need them) and the cost would be 45k UR *OR* 40k SPG .
If I transferred UR straight to SWA I'd only get 1:1....so my 45k UR would result in 45k RR.
......on another note I did some checking. My current spg booked hotel seems to have plenty of availability,so even if I canceled I think I could rebook on points easily enough if needed. I can transfer Marr>SPG,right?
and the hotel I'm looking at for the package seems to have plenty of availability also. I just need to get the ball rolling if I'm going to do this I guess.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

@hsmamato2

So If I'm understanding this correctly...

• You are looking at a Sheraton, 5 nights, that is 20,000 SPG points per night?
• So the total for 5 nights is 20,000 x 4 + 5th night free = 80,000 SPG points (AKA 240,000 Marriott points)
• You are also looking at a Marriott property that is a Cat 8 property which requires 40,000 Marriott points per night?
• So the total for 5 nights there is 40,000 x 4 + 5th night free = 160,000 Marriott points
• You now are debating a nights and flights package for 7 nights + 120,000 SW RR points and you're just going to not worry about the last 2 nights (i.e. only stay 5 nights)? The nights and flights will cost 360,000 Marriott points
• Apparently you have 315,000 Marriott points right now

My conclusions:

1. If all of that is true - you are actually attempting to use 200,000 additional Marriott points (360k minus 160k) to get 120,000 Southwest RR Points.
   - As 200,000 Marriott points those could be worth $2,000 or more in hotel stays if you value Marriott points at $0.01 each. As Southwest points they will be worth ~ $1,800 in flights
2. If all of that is true...With your current points total you could book a Nights and Flights + 70,000 southwest points package right now (that costs 310k)
   - In this scenario you would be using 150,000 Marriott points to get 70,000 SW points. Using my earlier example this is potentially taking $1,500 worth of hotels and trading it for ~ $1,050 in flights.
3. You could purchase 15k SPG points as you stated for $341 and for that you'd get 50,000 additional SW RR points which are worth roughly $740 - so you would be buying those extra 50k SW points at 54% off essentially
4. You could transfer the 45k URs to get the 50,000 additional SW RR points...BUT KEEP IN MIND you could transfer those 45k URs AT ANY TIME and get 45k SW RR points...so you are only getting 5k extra points theoretically for doing this and locking yourself into SW RRs where right now they are flexible URs

I'm not telling you this is a good or bad idea - just understand the tradeoffs and what you are getting for your points

 

[hsmamato2]

Oh I forgot. I have RR points calculated at a value of .01 each,so 120k = $1200.00 (?)
and UR points at .02,so 45k UR= $900 (?) seems I'd come out ahead this way

 

[kmc8826]

Yes, the int'l thing is the problem there. My dh had to travel to Orlando for work and while going to MCO, he went to the wrong gates. When he took the train back, they made him go back through security because they told him he had mixed with people arriving int'l.

MCO TSA is the worst I've ever, ever seen. We've had multiple bad experiences and like your dh, I will not go through TSA twice there. It's just not worth it to me. When we came through this past Sept (on the day the airport was closing for Irma), it took well over an hour and they were just randomly pulling people from way back in the line and putting them ahead of those of us who had been waiting for 45 mins. They would just open a line and let a huge group go ahead. So disorganized. It was nuts. My oldest was using a wheelchair on that trip and it took 15-20 mins for anyone to 'check' the chair. Meanwhile we were about to miss our flight. Every time I asked if her chair could get looked at, they will give me the stink eye and pull another stroller ahead of us.

I agree about MCO TSA. But just want to make sure I understand for those who found there way blocked was it because you had to take the tram/monorail to get back to your gate and then after you did you had to go through TSA? Because for us our flights are always Delta and basically to get to the lounge we just got off the tram and instead of walking straight to our gate we went to the lounge. Out of lounge it was just past the food area (Starbucks, Burger King etc) and then our gate. If there is a chance we have to do TSA again we just won’t go.

 

[Ngwira]

This is what points are for! To do the travel you want to do for cheap/free. Compromise when you have to, but otherwise burn the points and enjoy the trip!

So true. Just burned the majority of my UR for my family of 4 on 3 nights at POR, flights Philly to MCO, 3 day base tickets. We’re going in June for DH’s 44th birthday.

 

[hsmamato2]

@hsmamato2

So If I'm understanding this correctly...

• You are looking at a Sheraton, 5 nights, that is 20,000 SPG points per night?
• So the total for 5 nights is 20,000 x 4 + 5th night free = 80,000 SPG points (AKA 240,000 Marriott points)
• You are also looking at a Marriott property that is a Cat 8 property which requires 40,000 Marriott points per night?
• So the total for 5 nights there is 40,000 x 4 + 5th night free = 160,000 Marriott points
• You now are debating a nights and flights package for 7 nights + 120,000 SW RR points and you're just going to not worry about the last 2 nights (i.e. only stay 5 nights)? The nights and flights will cost 360,000 Marriott points
• Apparently you have 315,000 Marriott points right now

My conclusions:

1. If all of that is true - you are actually attempting to use 200,000 additional Marriott points (360k minus 160k) to get 120,000 Southwest RR Points.
   - As 200,000 Marriott points those could be worth $2,000 or more in hotel stays if you value Marriott points at $0.01 each. As Southwest points they will be worth ~ $1,800 in flights
2. If all of that is true...With your current points total you could book a Nights and Flights + 70,000 southwest points package right now (that costs 310k)
   - In this scenario you would be using 150,000 Marriott points to get 70,000 SW points. Using my earlier example this is potentially taking $1,500 worth of hotels and trading it for ~ $1,050 in flights.
3. You could purchase 15k SPG points as you stated for $341 and for that you'd get 50,000 additional SW RR points which are worth roughly $740 - so you would be buying those extra 50k SW points at 54% off essentially
4. You could transfer the 45k URs to get the 50,000 additional SW RR points...BUT KEEP IN MIND you could transfer those 45k URs AT ANY TIME and get 45k SW RR points...so you are only getting 5k extra points theoretically for doing this and locking yourself into SW RRs where right now they are flexible URs

I'm not telling you this is a good or bad idea - just understand the tradeoffs and what you are getting for your points

YOU'RE MY HERO!!!!! I don't know why I couldn't see that before, I can do the cat 8,plus 70kRR with the points I have RIGHT NOW!!!!! off to do this...... fingers crossed it works!

 

[DisneyMandC]

So true. Just burned the majority of my UR for my family of 4 on 3 nights at POR, flights Philly to MCO, 3 day base tickets. We’re going in June for DH’s 44th birthday.

Can't remember if you said this... did you book through Chase Cruise and Tour?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

YOU'RE MY HERO!!!!! I don't know why I couldn't see that before, I can do the cat 8,plus 70kRR with the points I have RIGHT NOW!!!!! off to do this...... fingers crossed it works!
HOw long when you transfer spg- Marriott,any timeline?

SPG to MARRIOTT is instant. Just transfer then log out and log back in.

Glad I could help. That was an insanely tough scenario to dissect. I think I did it correctly though and accurately showed what you’re getting and the trade offs.

 

[kmc8826]

Ok, time for stupid questions LOL.
I have never been in a lounge before. My Hilton Ascend says it comes with 10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year. I have hit the enroll button a few times, and each time it says enrolled, but I have never gotten the card in the mail it says I should get.
Assuming it ever shows up, can I used multiple free visits at the same time for additional family members? Dh also has the Ascend so he gets 10 also.
And even a dumber question, food and drink are free in the lounge?
We are flying Delta in September which appears to be in the same area as the lounge, so thought maybe we should check it out.
Which other cards offer free access? I know one of my cards offers paid visits, because I did get a membership card for that one, but they don't appear to be free.

Thanks!

On my Reserve I requested a card and they sent me a physical card. Exactly like a credit card except it is black and says Priortiy Pass. I have only done it at MCO but yes all free. It was myself and DH and 3 girls. She had to check us in and look at boarding pass but then free. We had an early flight but it was awesome because we were able to have breakfast and coffee.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

YOU'RE MY HERO!!!!

I will also be printing this out and framing it.

When you hear this song...please think of me!

 

[Ngwira]

Can't remember if you said this... did you book through Chase Cruise and Tour?

Yes, I did.

 

[wendow]

I agree about MCO TSA. But just want to make sure I understand for those who found there way blocked was it because you had to take the tram/monorail to get back to your gate and then after you did you had to go through TSA? Because for us our flights are always Delta and basically to get to the lounge we just got off the tram and instead of walking straight to our gate we went to the lounge. Out of lounge it was just past the food area (Starbucks, Burger King etc) and then our gate. If there is a chance we have to do TSA again we just won’t go.

I'm guessing all of us who are complaining about this are flying SW. The SW gates are in the 100-129 section. The MCO lounge that is closest for SW is by gate 90 (I believe). So, you have to take the tram that goes to gates 70-99, eat at the lounge, take the tram back to the terminal and you would then need to take the tram to gates 100-129. However, when you come off the tram, they do not allow you to just go over to the other tram, they force you back into the main terminal, which requires TSA again. Does that make sense?

I think Delta gates are by the other MCO lounge, which obviously works great for Delta fliers.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I will also be printing this out and framing it.

When you hear this song...please think of me!

Oh man! We’re gonna have to get a bigger thread over here. @SouthFayetteFan ’s head is getting too big for this one

 

[wendow]

Ok, time for stupid questions LOL.
I have never been in a lounge before. My Hilton Ascend says it comes with 10 complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits per year. I have hit the enroll button a few times, and each time it says enrolled, but I have never gotten the card in the mail it says I should get.
Assuming it ever shows up, can I used multiple free visits at the same time for additional family members? Dh also has the Ascend so he gets 10 also.
And even a dumber question, food and drink are free in the lounge?
We are flying Delta in September which appears to be in the same area as the lounge, so thought maybe we should check it out.
Which other cards offer free access? I know one of my cards offers paid visits, because I did get a membership card for that one, but they don't appear to be free.

Thanks!

We have Priority Pass through the CSR. Food and drink in the traditional lounges are free. Some airports now have restaurants that accept Priority Pass memberships. In those cases, it might be dependent on CC, but in the case of the CSR, you receive $28 credit per person. (does not cover tip).